Erosion Control - Sodding

Practices and Considerations

Sodding is a permanent form of erosion control that involves laying a permanent cover of grass sod on exposed soils. In addition to stabilizing soils, sodding can reduce the velocity of storm water runoff. Sodding can provide immediate vegetative cover for critical areas and stabilize areas that cannot be vegetated by seed. It can also steady channels or swales that convey concentrated flows and can reduce flow velocities. Listed below are several practices and considerations involving sodding:

Areas to be sodded should be cleared of trash, debris, roots, branches, stones, and clod larger than 2 inches in diameter.

Composition should reflect environmental conditions as well as the function of the area where sod will be laid.

Jute or plastic netting may be pegged over sod for further protection against washout.

Pick sod that is composed of plants that are adapted to site conditions where you plan to lay the sod.

Sod is more expensive and more difficult to acquire, transport, and store than seed. Care should be taken to provide adequate moisture to the soil before, during, and after installation. If the sod is laid on poorly prepared soil, the grass will die quickly.

Sod should be laid in striped perpendicular to the direction of water flow and staggered in a brick-like pattern.

Sod should be machine cut at a uniform soil thickness of 15-25 mm at the time of establishment.

Sod should be of known genetic origin and free of noxious weeds, diseases, and insects.

Sod should be harvested, delivered, and installed within a 36 hour period. If it cannot meet any of these criteria in the time frame, it should be inspected.